Dr. Peter Demir
Dr. Peter Demir, age 84, beloved husband of Elizabeth Armstrong Demir, passed away at his home in Woodbridge on September 3, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on January 1, 1931 in Korce, Albania, a son of the late Qazim and Myrset Terolli Demir. He immigrated to America as a five-year-old in 1936 and just three months ago, despite his stealthy illness, he enjoyed one of his greatest lifetime experiences, a return to the land of his birth. Cheering him on were his three children; Jennifer O'Connor, Kristen (Mark) Wilson and Alex (Tess) Demir. He is survived also by four grandchildren; Madeleine Wilson, George Wilson, Roman Demir, and Nina Demir and many cousins and mentees who benefited from his encouragement over the years. His brother, Ramsey Demir, and a granddaughter, Sara O'Connor predeceased him. He loved his family dearly and his last words were, 'Stay together'. He was a graduate of Crosby High School in Waterbury, Connecticut, where he grew to love the game of basketball. As a guard known for his play-making ability, he earned spots on the all-city and all-Naugatuck Valley basketball teams. He received a BA in Zoology from the University of Pennsylvania where he also played varsity basketball and was a member of the AFROTC and Sigma Chi Fraternity. After serving in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, he went on to earn his medical degree at New York Medical College. He completed his residency in urologic surgery at Yale School of Medicine and proudly established his own private practice of urology in New Haven in 1964, retiring forty-eight and a half years later in January 2013. First and foremost, Dr. Demir was dedicated to his patients and loved working and thinking about how best to serve them. He loved jazz, dancing and gardening and his passion for playing, watching and talking sports was boundless. He was an armchair coach and avid fan of the New York Giants, Yankees, and Knicks. He loved reading history and current events and, if he hadn't chosen medicine, he would have made an outstanding history teacher and basketball coach. His indomitable spirit will live on in all who knew him. The family would like to thank all the friends and caregivers who helped us through the last days of his life and beyond. A service and reception celebrating his life will commence at 5:00 pm on Friday, October 2 at the New Haven Lawn Club, 193 Whitney Avenue, New Haven. Gifts in memory of Dr. Demir can be made to the Department of Urology, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208058, New Haven, CT 06520 or to the Sara Elizabeth O'Connor Fund at the Community Foundation, 70 Audubon St., New Haven, CT 06510
Sorry for your loss. He was a good friend and colleague
Dear Betsy and family, I was so sad to hear from Carla and Tami that Dr. Demir passed, may he R.I.P. Working for him for 8+ years was the best gift/job I could have ask for, he was such a kind and generous man. I would love to hear his stories on a daily basis, he will truly be missed!
Love Janine xo
Dear Betsy, Jennifer, Kristen and Alex – Bart and I are so saddened at Peter’s passing. Though we did not know him long, he is a kind and gracious man and we enjoyed getting to know him. Know he rests in Jesus’ arms and we will see him again. Our prayers are with you. Love you Betsy!
My sincere condolences on Dr. Demir’s passing. I knew him for many years both in the operating room and in the Department of Surgery at YNHH. A true gentleman and a wonderful human being.
Dear Betsy and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Peter Demirs passing away. He was my Dr. And I repaired his equipment in his office, and his house. I will miss him dearly. Jim Wetmore
Ken Ciardiello
I was saddened when I became aware of Peter\’s passing. We were colleagues for many years and I respected him for so many aspects of who he was as a surgeon, a sports enthusiast , athlete and raconteur. He will be missed by many in our community.
My sincerest condolences to his entire family.
To the Family of Dr. Peter Demir, Lt. Shea Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 201 of Waterbury, Ct. want you to know that your loved one is in our thoughts and prayers. We want to thank him for his service. Betty Fries, President
Bob Pieper
I was very saddened to here of Dr Demirs passing I would have been there He was a fantastic man and Dr to me over the years I will miss him I can sill see him behind his desk with books all around him talking to me not just about Medicine but about enjoying life and good things